RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) has released a comprehensive breakdown of wage violations investigated across the state, following its July 31 announcement of successfully recovering more than $2.5 million in unpaid wages for North Carolina workers.
Statewide Investigation Reveals Extensive Violations
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the department’s Wage and Hour Bureau conducted investigations into over 1,600 complaints filed across 87 counties and 31 different industries throughout North Carolina.
“This detailed breakdown reveals just how widespread wage violations are — touching workers in every corner of our state and spanning a broad spectrum of industries,” said Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. “At the NC Department of Labor, our mission is clear: to stand up for every worker, no matter their job or location, and ensure they receive every dollar they’ve rightfully earned.”
Industries Most Affected by Wage Violations
The investigation data shows that wage violations are not limited to specific sectors, with complaints spanning multiple industries. The top five industries by complaint volume include:
- Retail – Leading in total complaints filed
- Eating Establishments – Second highest complaint volume
- Construction – Third most complaints reported
- Medical – Fourth in complaint frequency
- Transportation – Fifth highest complaint volume
Geographic Distribution of Violations
Wake and Mecklenburg counties dominated both complaint volume and recovery amounts, reflecting their large worker populations. Wake County led with 270 complaints and $786,971.08 recovered, while Mecklenburg County reported 248 complaints with $326,898.18 in recovered wages.
Top 10 Counties by Complaints and Recoveries
| County | Complaints | Amount Recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Wake | 270 | $786,971.08 |
| Mecklenburg | 248 | $326,898.18 |
| Durham | 68 | $163,351.92 |
| Forsyth | 70 | $135,630.17 |
| Guilford | 101 | $98,483.64 |
| Brunswick | 20 | $74,285.97 |
| New Hanover | 41 | $60,680.01 |
| Cabarrus | 40 | $50,192.52 |
| Alamance | 19 | $45,948.76 |
| Lincoln | 14 | $40,889.93 |
The data reveals interesting patterns in wage violations across the state. While Wake and Mecklenburg counties show the highest absolute numbers due to their large populations, Brunswick County demonstrates that even smaller jurisdictions can yield substantial recoveries, with only 20 complaints resulting in $74,285.97 returned to workers.
Department Emphasizes Worker Protection Mission
Commissioner Farley emphasized that the recovery efforts represent more than statistical achievements. “This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about justice for families who depend on their promised pay to build their lives, pay rent, and put food on the table,” he stated.
The department’s comprehensive approach has resulted in successful wage recoveries ranging from major metropolitan areas to rural counties across the state, demonstrating the universal nature of wage violation issues in North Carolina’s diverse economy.
Resources for Workers
The North Carolina Department of Labor continues to encourage workers who suspect wage violations to file complaints through multiple channels. Workers can access information and file complaints by visiting labor.nc.gov or calling the department’s toll-free number at 1-800-NC-LABOR.
The department has made available a detailed PDF document containing complete county-by-county and industry-by-industry breakdowns of complaints and recoveries for public review.
The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Bureau is responsible for investigating wage and hour violations and ensuring workers receive compensation owed under state and federal labor laws.
